1. BIOREpository

From biowaste to biocosmetics

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Primary Data

Project title
From biowaste to biocosmetics
Code
HELASA
Project Coordinator
Participant Organization(s)
 
Status
Completed
Start date
01-11-2023
Expected Completion
31-12-2024
 
Co-Investigator(s)

Description

Abstract
The circular economy requires a change of mindset: products and materials are reused for as long as possible to minimise the exploitation of new resources. Waste and second-life used materials are valuable resources with great potential (organic waste and residual biomass are converting into valuable products by recovering biowaste materials). The benefits of this approach are manifold from creating new opportunities to improving public health and formulating new ecological and innovative products. The main idea of this project proposal is the cascade use of biomass, namely the distillation waste of medicinal plants (DWMP) of Sanicula CO d.o.o. The preliminary investigations relate to the study of the waste biomass of three medicinal plants for the production of essential oils: Helichrysum italicum, Lavandula angustifolia and Satureja montana. The first step in the cascade use is the extraction of DWMP in green solvents to obtain water and ethanol extracts for a cosmetic formulation with antioxidant and skin care effects. The next step in the cascade utilisation refers to the carbonisation of depleted DWMP in a hydrothermal reactor, yielding activated carbon. The final product obtained from the two cascade processes (extracts and activated carbon) will provide valuable insights for the formulation and production of an innovative biocosmetic product - DWMP face wash micellar water. In general, the aim of this project proposal is to increase the practical sustainability of the circular economy and sustainability strategy in Serbia (proposal for producers of medicinal and aromatic plants), through the use of bio-waste material from medicinal plants for environmental protection and the production of valuable biocosmetics from bio- waste material. This project will involve environment-friendly and waste-to-profit innovative solutions with benefits to a wide range of population to use natural-based cosmetics, as well as contribute to the economy and environment of Serbia and the region.